Amtrak’s concrete slab at Beaumont, Texas to be replaced with bathroomless station | www.beaumontenterprise.com

First off, this is a $1.2 million project. No bathroom facilities.

Amtrak says that, because of low ridership, the station will meet corporate standards. This makes one wonder exactly what those standards might be. Further, this design, while a distinct improvement, tends to enforce the low ridership model for Beaumont.

What ever happened to the daily Sunset? Oh, I forgot Maricopa does not like the new more convenient station times because the train blocks a street crossing for 20 minutes. To be honest, that is a good point. UP and Amtrak need to work on that and we must ask an important question. It’s probably rhetorical, but what if ridership improves? Can the facility be improved?

Can bathrooms be added? What about checked baggage? If no baggage is being handled, will there be an agent?

One point in Amtrak’s defense that should probably be made for the benefit of those who do not understand the arcane world of passenger railroading. Platforms for loading and unloading are very expensive. This one will probably be handicapped accessible with plenty of lighting.